In a powerful move toward universal healthcare and HIV support, the Kano State Government has rolled out health insurance coverage for 4,200 people living with HIV (PLHIV) and more than 600 orphans and vulnerable children. The announcement came during a media briefing marking the 2025 World AIDS Day, and it’s shaping up to be one of the state’s biggest health interventions of the year.
Standing Strong on World AIDS Day
Health Commissioner Abubakar Labaran shared that the enrolment was achieved through the Kano State Health Trust Fund, working hand-in-hand with development partners.
He noted that the day’s commemoration serves as a global reminder to stand in solidarity with millions affected by HIV — a message Kano is backing up with bold policy action.
The Numbers Tell a Story
According to Labaran, Kano currently has:
- 37,825 people living with HIV
- 4,381 children living with HIV
- 551 deaths recorded in 2025
- 607,720 HIV tests conducted this year
- 2,440 new cases identified
- 2,388 people newly placed on treatment
The figures underscore the urgency — but also highlight the state’s growing capacity to respond with real, measurable impact.
Boosted Budget, Bigger Commitment
With international donors gradually scaling back their support, Kano is stepping up.
The government expanded funding for the Kano State Agency for the Control of AIDS (KSACA) from ₦300 million to a massive ₦2 billion beginning in 2025.
And they’re not stopping there — over ₦500 million has already been released this year to cushion the gaps created by dwindling external funds.
Policies That Protect
Kano has enacted an Anti-Stigma and Discrimination Law, expanded access to the State Contributory Health Scheme for PLHIV, and rolled out Nigeria’s first full-scale triple elimination programme targeting HIV, hepatitis, and syphilis across six facilities — especially serving pregnant women.
Other key achievements include:
- Installation of 24-hour solar power at the SACA office
- Procurement of new operational vehicles
- Strengthening state HIV data systems
- Construction of a new paediatric TB/HIV clinic at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital
Protecting Mothers & Babies
There’s major progress in preventing mother-to-child transmission too:
- 238,495 pregnant women tested at antenatal clinics
- Only 34 tested positive
- 31,277 children under 15 tested
- 68 positive cases placed on treatment
Kano also conducted the highest number of early infant diagnosis tests in Nigeria this year, powered by its M-PIMA machine.
“We Are Here to Show Love”
KSACA Director-General Usman Bashir summed up the heart of the initiative:
“We are here to commemorate World AIDS Day and to show love to people living with HIV.”
A Step Closer to Ending AIDS by 2030
With stronger financing, better infrastructure, and more inclusive health policies, Kano is making a bold statement: No resident will be left behind.
The commissioner reaffirmed the state’s commitment to achieving the global target of ending AIDS by 2030 — and urged the public to keep fighting stigma and supporting those living with HIV.